Is it live, or is it Memorex?

djw wrote:

"I discovered that, as a result, I ended up listening to much more live
music, played more music
myself, and did a lot more sight-reading than had been my habit...More
importantly, I think, I have recovered some sense of the difference in
presence between a music played in a wonderful room with musicians
scattered throughout the space and music that comes out of loudspeakers;
it's not a distinction between bad and good, but a recovery of the
distinct qualities of each experience. I happen to like real players in
real rooms, and I prefer my own music to be made that way; other
musicians have other preferences which I respect, but I'd hope that they
respect mine as well."

After many years of composing music on tape with synthesizers, and
recently on hard drive with software, I'm now quite insistent that my
music be written only for acoustic instruments and their microtonal
possibilities (even as I'm temporarily forced to continue using the
software).

There's an actual human need for organic things with perceptible
imperfections, such as prefering polished wood furniture over
metal/plastic constructions covered with imitation wood veneer. This
applies to sound as well; slick studio products eventually bore the ear,
and torture the soul.

Microtonal music could easily become associated with prettified
electronic audio-"philes" and tuned wine glasses with pots-and-pans,
unless it is repeatedly heard in performance with warm-sounding acoustic
instruments instead. I've recently taken up the violin and recorder
again with the intention of composing for them in alternate tunings, and
my sweetheart just surprised me by ordering an Egyptian 'ud for my
birthday. Brace yourselves.

Jon,

Thanks for the acoustic support. My first marriage certainly proves I don't
discriminate against synthesized sound (as true per the PITCH Electronical
album), but my heart is definitely in the warmth that seems to uniquely emanate
from the non-electric world. (I shiver as I realize l write e on a
completely electric based medium.)

Think bassoon.

Johnny

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